Problem: Palestine, Texas, home to over 18,000 residents and processing 25 mgd of wastewater, faced persistent clogging in its sewer system due to improperly flushed items, including wipes, plastics, clothing, rags and trash bags. These materials aggregated into dense “rag balls” that frequently obstructed pumps, leading to frequent and costly equipment downtime. Manual cleaning of three return-activated sludge pumps required 21 weekly interventions, totaling $3,000 in maintenance expenses each week. This process was not only time-consuming, but also posed safety risks to maintenance personnel.
Solution: After years of research, the city installed three DERAGGER systems from Industrial Flow Solutions, one for each pump at the plant. The systems were designed to continuously monitor the pumps’ amperage, voltage and hertz outputs, detecting potential overloads and clogs in real time. They utilize Real Time Pump Protection, which automatically reverses the impeller blades’ direction upon detecting a blockage or a rag, effectively clearing the obstruction without manual intervention. This preemptive action not only prevents pump shutdowns but also ensures uninterrupted operation of the wastewater treatment process.
Solution: Eight months post-installation, no pump shutdowns were reported, resulting in substantial cost savings exceeding $100,000. DERAGGER significantly improved operational efficiency, reduced maintenance downtime and enhanced safety for maintenance personnel. ”It’s an incredible solution to an age-old problem,” says Tim Perry, Public Works director. 860-631-3618; www.flowsolutions.com
